Written and directed by Takashi Yamazaki, “Godzilla Minus One” is the 37th movie in the Godzilla franchise. It was released in Japanese theaters on Nov. 3, 2023 and in American theaters on Dec. 1, 2023 for the 70th anniversary of Godzilla. The film received critical acclaim and won an Oscar for best visual effects a few months after its release.

“Godzilla Minus One” is a reimagination of the original 1954 “Godzilla,” and is heavily inspired by Jaws and Shin Godzilla. The title, “Godzilla Minus One,” hints at the fact that after World War Two, Japan was at its lowest point (aka ground zero), but the resurgence of Godzilla has taken Japan below zero (aka minus one). The film follows a former Kamikaze pilot, Kōichi Shikishima, who encounters Godzilla during the war and is destined to face the monster.

The first time I watched the movie, I was blown away by the storytelling and special effects. The movie presented itself as a monster film, and yet also had a compelling story about the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from World War Two. Shikishima, troubled by the traumas of the Pacific War, has to reconcile with his past in order to take on Godzilla.

Visually, “Godzilla Minus One” is stunning, with a good balance between practical and Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) elements that gives Godzilla a terrifying and realistic presence. Godzilla is portrayed as a force of nature that punishes human ignorance and brings hopelessness wherever it goes.

Furthermore, I found the film’s sound design to be integral to what makes the movie so enchanting. The iconic Godzilla roar is accompanied by an immersive soundtrack that enhances the tension and makes Godzilla so much more menacing. The music complements the tragic tone of the film, drawing the audience into Shikishima’s journey while also keeping them on the edge of their seat when Godzilla attacks.

The social and historical context plays a significant role in “Godzilla Minus One.” Japan’s post-war struggles are explored not just through the lens of Shikishima’s experiences, but also through the trauma the nation faced in rebuilding. The film reflects the impact of war and the long lasting effects it has on both the people and nations impacted.

“Godzilla Minus One” has one of the lowest budgets of any of the Oscar-winning films in its category. “Godzilla Minus One” had an initial budget of $15 million, but made a whopping $115.8 million at the box office – over seven times its initial budget. I found this incredibly impressive, as it proves that you don’t need to have hundreds of millions of dollars to make a good movie. It was a big eye opener to how much Hollywood overspends to make mediocre films.

“Godzilla Minus One” was a fantastic film and my favorite of 2023. The movie shows that the kaiju genre is not just about giant monsters, but can also be a testament to the resilience of humanity and how our past shapes our future.